Power poles damaged in south Stockton crash

STOCKTON — A two-vehicle crash knocked over two power poles early Thursday as children and their parents were walking to class at Spanos Elementary School south of downtown Stockton.

Community Service Officer Rosie Calderon, a police spokeswoman, said a woman driving a black Chevrolet Suburban was seen by pedestrians speeding north on California Street when she hit a power pole.

The force of the impact, Calderon said, sent the vehicle across the intersection and into another power pole, and eventually into a Green Chevrolet Tahoe heading east on Hazelton Avenue.

As a result of the crash, a power pole on one side of California Street broke in two and another electrical pole was left leaning against power lines on the other side of the street.

The smell of charred wood lingered in the air and debris was scattered along the pavement.

Pacific Gas & Electric spokeswoman Brandi Merlo said the accident affected 4,814 customers in the area who lost power for less than 20 minutes. PG&E crews expected full repairs to be completed by 5 p.m.

The woman and a young child in the Suburban were taken to a hospital for treatment for minor pain, Calderon said. The driver of the Tahoe did not need medical attention.

Spanos Elementary Vice Principal Angelica Ibarra said the accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. as students were crossing in the crosswalk.

A campus crossing guard directed several students away from sparks and live wires, Ibarra said. No students or parents were injured.

“I heard this big boom and came out running,” Ibarra said, adding that crisis counselors were on site throughout the day Thursday.

Contact reporter Nicholas Filipas at (209) 546-8257 or nfilipas@recordnet.com. Follow him on recordnet.com/filipasblog or on Twitter @nicholasfilipas.